A 56-year-old French national, Pascal Patrick, was arrested on Koh Pha Ngan after Thai tourist police uncovered a cache of drugs and weapons at a hotel he was illegally managing. Meanwhile, a Russian woman, identified only as Elena, was arrested on nearby Koh Samui for selling banned e-cigarettes.
Police raided the KPG Suite Dream hotel in Ban Tai around 4 p.m. on May 22, acting on a tip about a foreign man allegedly working illegally, drinking heavily, and flashing weapons at guests. Patrick was found managing hotel operations and renting out motorbikes—without holding a valid work permit.
During questioning, Patrick’s erratic behavior raised red flags. A subsequent search of the premises revealed a small arsenal: three BB guns, brass knuckles, sickles, short swords, knives, and machetes. More alarming was the discovery of MDMA, magic mushrooms, and a Runtz-brand cannabis vape. Police also impounded four motorbikes and a car.
According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Winit Boonchit, inspector from Tourist Police Division 5, Patrick claimed the drugs were given to him by a friend during a past Full Moon Party. He said the weapons were part of his private collection and that he was running the hotel on behalf of his wife, who resides in Chiang Mai.
Patrick now faces several charges, including:
Possession of a Category 1 narcotic (MDMA)
Possession of a Category 5 narcotic (psilocybin mushrooms)
Working without a permit
Immigration violations
He was taken to Koh Pha Ngan Police Station for legal proceedings.
In a separate incident, tourist police on Koh Samui, in collaboration with Bo Phut Police Station, arrested a Russian national named Elena after a sting operation revealed she was selling illegal disposable vapes through Telegram.
Elena was apprehended at a pre-arranged location while delivering Solo Bar vapes in flavors such as strawberry, lychee, and mint. Officers seized ten devices. She was charged with possession and sale of untaxed goods and selling products without customs clearance and was taken to Bo Phut Police Station.
Authorities continue to crack down on foreign nationals involved in illegal activities across Thailand’s tourist hubs.
